The end of the school year can be quite stressful for children and families. Our students are tired at the end of the day.  It is often still light out when they go to bed and many of them worry about the changes that the end of the school year brings. For parents and teachers, it is not always easy to find the happy medium between finishing the school year strong and allowing the students to wind down gradually from the business of the school year.  In the midst of all this, it is easy to forget about the various milestones and many triumphs students have accomplished this year.  I do wish you could experience what I get to see on a daily basis.  Things like the random acts of kindness going on in 5th grade, the bittersweet atmosphere in the 8th grade as they prepare to leave us for high school, the earnest first graders who are so proud to show me their reading skills, the pride the Student Council takes in their well-planned activities, and the courage the new slate of candidates muster to present their campaign speeches as they run for office.  Your children are a joy.  Thanks for sharing them with us.